Li Keqiang Meets and Holds a Symposium with Representatives of the United States (US) Attending the US-China Business Exchange

2019/09/10

On the afternoon of September 10, 2019, Premier Li Keqiang met and held a symposium with representatives of the United States (US) who came to China for the US-China Business Exchange at Ziguangge of Zhongnanhai. Representatives of the industrial, commercial and business sectors and former high-level officials of the US shared their thoughts and suggestions on China-US trade relations. Li Keqiang held discussions and exchanges with them.

Li Keqiang said, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relationship between China and the US. Over the past 40 years, the two countries have witnessed constant and forward-looking economic and trade relations with mutual benefit win-win results. China and the US, as the largest developing country and developed country in the world respectively, share extensive common interests. Both sides should, in accordance with the consensus reached by the two heads of state, follow the principles of equality and mutual respect, seek common ground while shelving differences, and explore approaches accepted by both sides to resolve differences.

Li Keqiang pointed out, China will open its door even wider to the outside world, and is committed to creating a market-oriented, law-based international business environment where domestic and foreign enterprises registered in China are treated as equals. China is paying more attention to protection of intellectual property rights. China has fully liberalized its manufacturing sector and accelerated the opening up of its service sector. China has a vast market. Enterprises from all countries, including those from the US, are welcome to expand economic, trade and investment cooperation with China in a bid to better achieve mutual benefit and win-win outcomes.

The US representatives expressed their congratulations on the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. They said, the US companies present have long participated in and witnessed the development of US-China relations, actively explored business in China, expanded investment in China, and sought long-term cooperation opportunities. Inspired by China's new measures to expand opening up, the US companies will look at the current US-China trade frictions from a long-term perspective, oppose actions to weaken economic relations with China and are absolutely unwilling to see economic decoupling between the two countries. It is hoped that bilateral economic and trade consultations will make positive progress with an agreement being reached at an early date. It is believed that the two sides will surely be able to find ways to promote the continued progress of US-China relations.